Saijo Festival Official Dies After Accident

A deputy mayor of Saijo City has died following an accident during the annual Saijo Festival in Ehime Prefecture. As of October 18, 2026, local authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of the official, who was participating as a carrier, or "kakio," in the traditional event.

Why it is trending now

Public interest has surged following reports that a high-ranking city official lost his life while participating in the festival. The incident occurred in an area where floats, known as danjiri and mikoshi, were gathered. According to reports, the official was found with a head injury at a parking lot near the Matsuyama District Court Saijo Branch.

Key facts

• The victim was identified as the Deputy Mayor of Saijo City, according to NHK News.
• The official was found with bleeding from his head, as reported by the Yomiuri Shimbun.
• The incident took place at a parking lot near the Matsuyama District Court Saijo Branch, according to the Yomiuri Shimbun.
• The Mayor of Saijo expressed deep regret over the loss, describing it as a "painful" event, according to Yahoo! News.
• The accident involved the traditional festival floats, locally referred to as danjiri or mikoshi, according to NHK News.

Why this is trending in Japan

The Saijo Festival is a significant cultural event in Ehime Prefecture, drawing large crowds and participants annually. The sudden death of a city official during such a prominent public celebration has caused widespread shock across the region and prompted national attention regarding festival safety protocols.

Background and context

The Saijo Festival is a historic autumn tradition in Saijo City, characterized by the parading of elaborate floats. These floats are typically carried by teams of participants known as "kakio." The event involves multiple shrines and attracts many visitors to the city each year.

What happens next

Official investigations into the cause of the accident are currently underway. Further statements from city officials regarding the status of the festival or potential safety reviews have not been confirmed at the time of writing. The community is expected to hold mourning ceremonies, though specific details were not available at the time of writing.